It’s been a heartbreaking stretch for the basketball world. Just a day after the passing of Bucks legend Junior Bridgeman, the NBA lost another beloved figure—Oliver “Big O” Miller. The former Raptors center had been battling cancer, and his passing hit hard for those who knew him. Throughout his career, Miller wasn’t just a big presence on the court; he was a well-liked figure in every locker room he entered.
Naturally, tributes started pouring in. The NBA’s Retired Players Association summed up the loss, stating, “The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Oliver Miller.” So, let’s take a moment to reflect on Big O’s journey and what made him such a unique talent.
Oliver Miller: Where he started from
Miller’s rise to fame started at the University of Arkansas, where he played from 1988 to 1992. During that stretch, he helped the Razorbacks dominate the Southwest Conference, leading them to three straight regular season and tournament titles from 1989 to 1991. His size and skill made him a force in college basketball, setting the stage for a memorable career.
Beyond the titles, Miller was a key piece for legendary coach Nolan Richardson. Across four seasons, Arkansas posted an incredible 115-24 record, highlighted by a trip to the 1990 Final Four. When the program moved to the SEC in 1992, Miller helped them win their first regular-season conference title, proving his impact on every level he played.
Even decades later, Miller’s name is all over Arkansas’ record books. He still holds the program’s all-time records for field goal percentage (.636) and blocked shots (345). On top of that, he ranks third in rebounds (886) and ninth in points (1,674), solidifying his place among Razorback greats.
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Not only did Oliver “Big O” Miller leave a lasting impression at Arkansas, but he also racked up accolades along the way. Razorback fans remember him as a dominant force, earning All-SWC honors in the program’s final year in the conference. On top of that, he was named the 1991 SWC Coaches Player of the Year and secured National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District recognition three times.
But Miller didn’t just collect awards; he shattered records. As a junior, he became the first player in school history to record over 100 blocks and 100 assists in the same season. During the 1990-91 campaign, he set the SWC single-season record with 112 blocks while leading the entire NCAA in field goal percentage at a staggering .704. Even as a freshman in 1988-89, he made his presence known, leading the conference in blocked shots with 60.
Naturally, his contributions didn’t go unnoticed. In 2024, Miller earned a spot in the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor for a player who helped define an era of Arkansas basketball.
With this, Miller became the 63rd Razorback to enter the SWC Hall of Fame and the 10th from the men’s basketball program. However, for Miller, Arkansas was just the beginning of a remarkable basketball journey.
Oliver “Big O” Miller’s NBA stats
Coming out of Arkansas, Oliver Miller entered the NBA as the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 draft, landing with the Phoenix Suns. He played a key role in Phoenix’s run to the 1993 NBA Finals, putting up 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks over 24 playoff games. In 1999, he returned to the Suns for another stint.
However, his biggest moment came with the Toronto Raptors. As the franchise’s first true big man, he made his mark during their inaugural 1995-96 season, averaging 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 steals. In Toronto’s biggest win that year—a shocking victory over Michael Jordan and the 72-10 Bulls—Miller played 40 minutes, posting 14 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Interestingly, he played three seasons for Toronto over two separate stints, appearing in 133 games. Across those years, he averaged 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals—solid numbers for the Raptors’ first big man.
Image Credit: Imago
After his initial NBA run from 1992 to 1998, Oliver Miller didn’t hang up his sneakers just yet. He took his game to semi-pro leagues and overseas before making a surprising return to the NBA in 2003. That year, he suited up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, appearing in 48 games during the 2003-04 season.
Interestingly, Miller’s final NBA stint coincided with one of the best years in Timberwolves history. Playing alongside Kevin Garnett, he contributed 2.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in the regular season. But more importantly, he was part of Minnesota’s deep playoff run, appearing in eight postseason games as the Wolves reached the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately, they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
Over his career, Miller made stops with multiple teams, including the Pistons (1994–95), Kings (1998–99), and Timberwolves (2003-04). Across 493 NBA games with the Raptors, Suns, Pistons, Mavericks, and Kings, he posted career averages of 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
But his basketball journey didn’t stop in the NBA. Miller played in Greece, Italy, and Poland, along with stints in the CBA, the USBL, and even with the Harlem Globetrotters. He was named a CBA All-Star in 2003 and earned All-CBA Second Team honors the same year. No matter where he played, Miller left his mark—a true ambassador of the game.
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